Kataly Foundation’s experience suggests that leadership is less about being visible than in bringing visibility to others

Civil rights movement leader Ella Baker once said: ‘Strong people don’t need a strong leader.’ It’s a quote that’s often misinterpreted as being a rejection of the need for leadership. But what Ella Baker was calling for was grassroots leadership, grounded in the actions of ordinary people building power together.

Public speeches, media appearances, opinion pieces – activities like these are often what we think leadership looks like. Leaders have authority, they make decisions and offer bold proclamations. Ella Baker’s vision of leadership instead prioritised relationships.

The desire to hide our failures is natural, but ultimately, it prevents learning.